Smartphones change our brains, say researchers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30586017 Science researchers have looked at EEG investigations on the brain to find out how we adapt to using smartphones. They argue that smartphone users had bigger EEG brain activity measurements in response to mechanical touch on the thumb, index and middle fingers What does this mean for those of us who do not use smartphones but use conventional cell phones? What about those who don't use them at all? http://www.ageuk.org.uk/work-and-learning/technology-and-internet/computer-training-courses/

Public Health England to try to make food more healthy

There may be a scheme which tries to highlight how healthy ready meals are. If there are logos on the packaging highlighting the one of your five a day on it would you be more likely to buy it? Or put it back on the shelf if it didn't carry any health benefits? The Chief Nutritionist at Public Health England is Dr Alison Tedstone. She commented "The possible extension of the five-a-day logo to include composite foods [which is a product with more than one ingredient, one of which is a fruit or a vegetable] is one of a range of options that we are considering. "However we have not decided on the criteria to use to extend the scheme to include composite foods and we also want to help people to reduce their intake of added sugar, saturated fat and salt overall."

Be a friend charity

http://www.beafriendtoday.org.uk/ The charity was featured in the Waitrose Weekend magazine. It encourages people who are able to give some time to be a friend to an elderly person who would appreciate another's company.

The royal voluntary services

I read in the news recently that they asked for volunteers to assist older people who come out of hospital and are left alone. Apparently, older people go back into hospital soon after being discharged. So what does that tell the NHS,adult social services, the govemet and other agencies? Well, what happened in the past, perhaps some five are ago or so, the local NHS trust, they were primary health care trusts then, ensured older people had a package of care. Six weeks after leaving hospital they would have help from therapists and care workers, possibly a social worker. They would be settled in, doctors contacted, and older people were less likely to re enter hospital. The austerity measures are no longer mentioned but a talk with a senior worked in the NHS made me think. These sorts of co.ordinated efforts to help older people are not available and so it is up to us as individuals to volunteer because we cannot see older people be in left alone and to their own devices.

Lentil soup dahl

Lentil soup can be bland if there is not enough seasoning and spice. I tend to boil lentils separately to get the right consistency. Red split lentils boil the quickest. So boil them and once they are tender, drain the water away leaving a little amount for stock. If you prefer not to have a soup with texture, blend the lentils until they are a smooth puree. Otherwise leave them as they are. Around four handfuls of lentils for four people. You'll need a small teaspoon of cumin seeds, ground coriander powder and a small teaspoon of chilli flakes. Fry them in olive oil or rapeseed oil. I put in two tablespoons because you don't need too much for dahl. If you like garlic, add two cloves to give it a kick. Leave these all to fry - you need to take it off the heat before it starts to burn. Garlic on high heat will do so very quickly. Then pour in the lentil mixture, stir in until the spices and garlic are evenly mixed. Some restaurants tend to pour the spices and garlic mixture over the warm lentils so everything floats at the top. You can add a few chopped coriander leaves. Nice with some rice or fresh bread.

Leek and Potato Soup 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 medium sliced onion 225g potatoes cut into cubes 2 medium leeks. Slice thinly. 1.2 litres/2 pints vegetable stock 150ml/5fl oz double cream or crème fraîche salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning 1.Heat the oil in a pan adding onions, potatoes and leeks. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften 2.Add the vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Simmer until the vegetables are soft. 3.Use a blender to whisk together so the mixtures is smooth. Put it back into another pan, pour in the cream or crème fraîche and heat it through.

Allowing elderly people to stay in their own homes rather than go into a home

Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of the UK Homecare Association has stated that funding care allowing people to stay at home is "cost efficient as it extends people's wellbeing, reducing admissions to A&E, and helps people return home from hospital quicker." The Care and Support Alliance study shows that since 2007-8 (when the global financial crisis began) the number of people receiving state-funded care in England slumped by 347,000 or more than a quarter. It is clear that services are being squeezed but if authorities take the long view, they will see that investing in providing good quality care in people's homes, they are saving money in the long run. Not just for themselves, but for their future care budget and NHS resources. Surely authorities and in particular government (as well as other political parties) should see the benefit of this way of thinking. It not only makes sense, it is practical and ensures the wellbeing of the older sections of the UK population.

The Amazings_learn some old skills in a new way

Think you could do with learning something new in 2014? The Amazings feature online courses in diverse subjects such as crocheting, quilting, felting, embroidering. All of the courses are hosted by older members of the community and you can start a free trial to see if you like it. They are a mixture of video, commentary, teacher's notes and I believe you can ask the tutor about the lessons. Now that is the sort of entrepreneurial spirit we love and we all get to learn something new too. https://www.theamazings.com/online_activities

Illusionist Derren Brown tries to change perceptions of older people

Some say he is controversial but there is no doubt that Derren Brown has talent and makes brilliant television. December 2013 and Channel 4 aired one of his programmes. Pensioners were trained to steal in The Great Art Robbery. There were a few people who couldn't quite believe it. A few of my younger friends were a bit confused about the whole thing and then a bit shocked that they would agree to do such a thing. But then having said that, would they be as shocked about people doing the same thing as a young man or woman? So the programme itself made me smile, laugh but most of all, I was astonished. Hats off to Derren Brown who is a genius. And for challenging stereotypes in the process! Yes! Derren Brown says "If I could be like (one of the participants) when I'm older, that would be great." Talking of the participants, he says... "They were all very engaged with life and very engaged with their retirement. It's good to know that you don't stop doing things just because you hit 65."